NewsLink, Oct. 1, 2021
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Coronavirus & Flu Information

Flu shots and attestation

Baylor faculty, staff, students and trainees are required by College policy to get an annual flu vaccine and submit attestation of vaccination by Nov. 30. The Occupational Health Program is offering flu vaccinations at locations around campus. Use the Baylor Flu Vaccine App to schedule your shot and to complete attestation. You may also receive your flu shot from a local pharmacy, clinic or your healthcare provider. Find more information on the OHP website.

Awards and Recognitions

Bottazzi honored as 'Outstanding Woman'

Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi, professor and associate dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor, was recognized as an 'Outstanding Woman' by the Commission for Women, Children, Youth and Family of the Central American Parliament within the framework of the Forum of Women of Political Parties of Honduras. Organized by the Honduran Parliament Bench, Bottazzi was recognized for her work in vaccine research and development, especially her contributions to advance a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more (in Spanish).

Krieger named to postdoc association IMPACT program

Dr. Kimiko Krieger, postdoctoral associate in molecular and cellular biology, was named to the inaugural class of the National Postdoctoral Association's IMPACT Fellowship Program. The initiative is designed to empower postdoctoral scholars from underrepresented backgrounds to build skills, understand strengths and develop networks.

Misra completes prestigious fellowship program

Dr. Sanghamitra Misra, associate professor of pediatrics, has completed the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Fellowship. The three-year leadership program for clinical researchers focuses on equity, diversity, inclusion, racism, bias, communication, media management, difficult conversations, cultural competency, adaptive leadership, conflict resolution, advocacy, op-ed writing and other relevant leadership topics.

Pereira and Storch earn grant from NIMH and NHGRI

Dr. Stacey Pereira, assistant professor Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and Dr. Eric Storch, professor and vice chair in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, were awarded a nearly $2.5 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health and National Human Genome Research Institute. This grant will build on their NIH-funded Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Genetics Survey, which examined child and adolescent psychiatrists' perspectives about polygenic risk scores (PRS), including challenges in its clinical use and gaps in legal protections against privacy violations and discrimination.

Rosen earns dermatology academy distinction

Dr. Ted Rosen, professor of dermatology, was selected as a recipient of honorary membership in the American Academy of Dermatology. This honor recognizes members of the academy who have advanced the profession through leadership and service that affirms uncommon and sustained dedication to the field. He will be recognized at the Stars of the Academy Awards Ceremony and other events.

Events

Diversity & Inclusion Week

National Diversity & Inclusion Week will be celebrated Oct. 4 – 8, and Baylor is offering several virtual events and other initiatives. Check out all the opportunities on the Diversity & Inclusion webpage, including the virtual showcase on Oct. 5, 5 – 6:30 p.m., where Baylor organizations, programs and others will highlight their efforts in this area.

DeBakey Research Awards

The Michael E. DeBakey Award for Excellence in Research will be presented to five outstanding recipients at a ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. There is limited attendance at the ceremony but the BCM community is invited to watch the ceremony and research presentations via YouTube.

Cardiovascular research seminar

The Cardiovascular Research Institute fall seminar series continues Wednesday, Oct. 6, at noon, with a presentation by Dr. Kory Lavine of Washington University School of Medicine on cardiac macrophages. Attend by Zoom.

Blood drive

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will host a blood drive Tuesday, Oct. 12, in Rayzor Lounge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Successful donors receive a free T-Shirt! To donate, please sign up for an appointment. Use sponsor code: 4402. Questions? Email Gabrielle Coats.

Alex's 5K to support autism

Alex's 5K Run/Walk and Kids' K is Nov. 6 at MacGregor Park. This annual fun run raises money for Autism Speaks, Avondale House and the Westview School in memory of Alex Jamrich, son of Baylor faculty member Milan Jamrich. Register for this family friendly event.

College News

Voluntary demographics on SuccessFactors

SuccessFactors users are now able to select several new demographic options, including their preferred pronoun, gender identity and sexual orientation, along with enhanced disability categories. This is optional, and only the pronoun information will be public on SuccessFactors; the others only will be accessible by the employee and Human Resources. Learn more.

HR news

• Open Enrollment: The 2022 virtual Open Enrollment period is Oct. 4 – 18. Check out the Open Enrollment intranet page for general information and to learn how to access the virtual benefits fair and other meetings and resources. Questions? Email ask-insurance@bcm.edu or call 713-798-1500.
• Staff performance management: The 2021 Staff Performance Evaluation deadline is Oct. 31. Complete evaluation forms, hold employee discussions, and finish all SuccessFactors signature steps by this date. Additionally, Nov. 30 is the manager deadline to discuss goals with employees and complete SF data entry. Review more information and helpful tools on the HR-Staff Performance website. Questions? Email performancemanagement@bcm.edu.

National Midwifery Week

Oct. 3 – 9 marks National Midwifery Week with the theme, "Midwives for Every Community." Baylor certified nurse midwives work in several clinical settings, including at Harris Health (pictured above), the Pavilion for Women and others. Certified nurse midwives provide prenatal care, labor support, postpartum care, family planning and well-woman care. Thank you to all our midwives for the healthcare you provide!

Faculty in the News

Dr. Robert Waterland was highlighted in The Scientist and Live Science about a recent study on the epigenetics of twin DNA. Plus, in COVID news, Baylor experts suggest the situation may be improving locally. Check out all of Baylor's news media mentions in this week's Faculty in the News, and follow BCMHouston_News on Twitter to keep up with our experts in the media. Interested in science news? Read the latest in From the Labs.

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